RIS fosters a school environment that is warm and caring, safe and comfortable. Bullying is not accepted within this community at RIS.

Bullying is repeated violent and/or nonviolent, verbal and/or non-verbal, actions that cause fear, distress or harm, committed by an individual or group towards a less powerful individual or individuals.

Students who are bullied suffer repeated harmful actions from other students or groups of students. These actions may take place in classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, canteens, toilets, buses; in fact anywhere inside or outside school.

Examples of bullying include:

being pushed, punched, hit or kicked

being teased in a hurtful way

being called hurtful names

being called names based on appearance, race, gender, religion, sexuality, abilities, or family background

being threatened

being shunned or left out of groups and activities on purpose

being forced to hand over money or goods or do things against one’s will through physical force or fear

having lies or untrue rumors spread about them or having their secrets revealed

having harmful letters, text messages, notes or emails written to them or about them

being targeted cruelly in blogs, web sites, diaries and hate books

being the target of cruel jokes, sarcasm, laughter, comments and put downs

having their property taken, damaged or hidden

having their friends turned against them

being threatened or forced to do hurtful things in order to become part of group

The school encourages all members of the school community to report incidences of bullying. Students should be able to trust and confide in teachers, administrators, siblings and parents who in turn can help the student report the matter. The school understands that students are often afraid to report and will implement protective measures. The safety of the student who reports the incident of bullying will be addressed by the student being part of decision making process as it relates to future action.

Depending on the nature and severity of the incident reactive measures will include counseling, parent involvement and possible consequences, ranging from detention through to expulsion.